Sheekha Bureau
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 8: A delegation of the Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ANCCI), led by Vice President Mr. Rajesh Puria, along with General Secretary Mr. Madan Lall and Past President Mr. Mohammed H. Jadwet, called on Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, at Raj Niwas on Wednesday to press for urgent measures to improve air connectivity to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the need for an immediate increase in the number of domestic flights to the Islands, enhancement of cargo carrying capacity, early operationalisation of UDAN and seaplane services, and restoration of international flight connectivity. The delegation stressed that improved air connectivity is critical for the Islands’ tourism sector, trade, healthcare, education and overall economic development.
Meanwhile, Andaman Sheekha Daily has accessed the detailed representation submitted by ANCCI to the Lieutenant Governor, in which the Chamber has sought his intervention to take up the matter with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airline operators.
According to the representation, the Chamber expressed concern that from July 1, 2026, the number of daily domestic flights to the Islands has been reduced to only seven, compared to 11-12 flights during the lean season and nearly 25 flights during the peak tourist season in previous years. It urged the Administration to ensure the immediate restoration of the withdrawn services and maintain at least 10 to 11 daily flights during the lean months of July and August.
The representation stated that the reduction in flights has resulted in a sharp increase in airfares, discouraging tourists while causing hardship to island residents travelling for medical treatment, education, business and emergencies. It further noted that reduced tourist arrivals have adversely affected hotels, ferry operators, tour operators, restaurants, transport providers and the broader tourism ecosystem.
ANCCI also highlighted the growing impact on cargo movement, stating that high passenger load factors have significantly reduced cargo uplift, leading to delays in courier consignments, essential medicines and other time-sensitive goods. Exporters of marine products and other perishables are also facing difficulties due to inadequate cargo capacity, the Chamber noted.
On international connectivity, the Chamber pointed out that the earlier direct flight between Sri Vijaya Puram and Kuala Lumpur had demonstrated the Islands’ potential for overseas air links with Southeast Asia. It observed that with incentives now available through AAI and the waiver of landing charges, the time is opportune to revive international services. The representation also suggested organising a roadshow in New Delhi involving the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAI and airline operators to promote new domestic and international routes, with the long-term objective of establishing direct connectivity to major Indian metropolitan cities and at least one regular international destination in Southeast Asia.
The Chamber further urged the early operationalisation of the proposed UDAN regional air services connecting Sri Vijaya Puram with Diglipur, Car Nicobar and Great Nicobar, besides expediting the long-pending seaplane services. These initiatives, it said, would significantly improve inter-island connectivity, promote tourism and support balanced regional development.
Describing air connectivity as the lifeline of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Chamber stated that with world-class airport infrastructure already in place and substantial investments being made in tourism and economic development, strengthening air services is essential for realising the full development potential of the Islands.
